Ready for Haiti!

We just arrived in Fort Lauderdale- our final stop before heading to Haiti in the morning.  We are staking out some space between baggage carousels in order to catch some zzzz's before our flight in the morning.  Team is bonding well.  We are very excited for the adventure of heading into Haiti.  Pray for the team- as we journey to Gonaives during the morning and make our first visit to a project in the afternoon.  I am praying that God "wrecks" our hearts as we reach out to love on kids.

Flexible

One of the things that I always stress in the preparation for a trip is flexibility.  No matter how prepared we get as a team for interaction with the orphan kids that we go to serve, things always change.  We make our plans but the Lord determines our steps.  Every trip is an adventure because things change on the fly- and this trip will be no exception.  Instead of going to the Fayeton village, we will instead be visiting 3 other projects in and around the city of Gonaives.  We are praying that one of the projects we visit will be the one the Lord has planned for us.  So with that, Gonaives, here we come!

Getting Ready for Haiti

In less than a week a team of 20 will be ministering to kids and staff at the Fayeton village just outside the city of Gonaives in northern Haiti.  14 members will be experiencing Haiti for the first time while 6 others have been to Haiti at least once before.  Preparation, funding, and team building has gone well.  Please pray for our health and safety.  Pray for my interaction with Pastor Woodman as we discuss the partnership between our two congregations and discover the steps the Lord wants us to take.  Haiti- here we come!

Spring Break Team

January of 2011 is coming to an end and we are in full swing for planning our trips to Haiti this year.  Our Spring Break team has been selected and we are beginning to bond as a unit having met two times so far.  Our team from Faith is a great mixture- 10 college students, 6 returning members, 14 who have never been before.  The gifting of this team is great and I am exciting to take this team to Gonaives in northern Haiti and begin building our partnership with the Fayeton project.  More to come as the team prepares...

We are praying for the country of Haiti in the wake of the election mess that exists- right now the run-off election is scheduled for March 20th- three days after we are scheduled to leave the country.  This could impact our trip- given the climate of the people of Haiti, our trip may be cutting it too close to the election raising concern for our safety.  Depending on the advice of Pastor Moise, we will plan accordingly.  Join me in praying for a peaceful process.

What's Next?

2010 has been an amazing year for me personally.  I have been challenged, stretched, broken, blessed and encouraged all along the way.  Haiti has become a huge thing for me- its people, its churches, its children, and most importantly, its orphans.  God has given our church an incredible vision to make a difference in the country- and the way He has allowed us to be a part of that is through our partnership with The Global Orphan Project.  If you have read the postings to this point, you understand how God has enabled our church to go to Haiti with The Global Orphan Project.  And now we are ready for the next step as a church and I am ready for my next step personally.

It has been proposed that we will partner with a project in Haiti's third largest city of Gonaives.  Fayeton is expanding due to some pressing needs that the children of Gonaives have.  In March of 2011 we will be sending a team to Fayeton to begin the process of building a deep, rich relationship with the local church, the mommas, the staff, and the kids.  I am excited for this opportunity- having been there earlier this year, the need is great and I am excited for the fruit that will come out of a relationship that will greatly bless our congregation as well.

I love The Global Orphan Project and the mission that they have around the world.  I recently re-read what they are all about, and as I read their purpose, my excitement for the work that God is doing was rekindled!

This is from the Global Orphan Project:
The GO Project embraces a culturally-relevant, community-based model, partnering with the local church to provide children with the Good News of Jesus Christ, a house momma, a safe place to live, two meals a day, an education, and access to medical care.  GO also recognizes economic development as a way to reduce the number of orphans in the world.  They launch local businesses that provide jobs, training, and help underwrite the costs of orphan care ministry.  Finally, due to a few donors that cover overhead costs, 100% of donations to the children go to provide care for the children.
The global orphan pandemic will rise or fall based on people responding to God's invitation to care for His kids.  This year more than 500 Americans have already traveled to Haiti with The Global Orphan Project to care for orphaned and abandoned children.  Thousands more have given to help.

Want to know more?  I would love to share personally our experience with The Global Orphan Project or you could check out their website at http://www.theglobalorphanproject.org/

Psalm 117

Christmas is now past and the time for relaxing and spending time with family seems to be slipping away so quickly.  A week from now we'll be back on the road heading back home.  As I sit in the living room of my brother and sister-in-law's home, I reflect back on an amazing year that God has allowed me to play a part in.  This morning I read and mediatated on Psalm 117 which says, "Praise the Lord, all nations!  Extol him, all peoples!  For great is his steadfast love towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.  Praise the Lord!"

My heart can't help but pray for the nation of Haiti.  The recent elections seemingly has done nothing to bring a better future for the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  With a controversial run-off election slated for mid-January, it's hard to imagine a better outcome.  But as the psalmist says in Psalm 117- great is His steadfast love towards us- His faithfulness endures forever.  Maybe I can't change anything in Haiti; maybe even the Haitians can't change things in Haiti.  But the Lord can!  Thank God it's in His hands- we just need to trust Him.  So I will continue to pray that the Lord raises up His people to do His work in the country of Haiti- because they are there, and they need our prayers.

October Haiti GO Team

Check out this video slideshow from our most recent trip to Haiti:
October Haiti GO Team

State of Haiti- spiritual and otherwise

I'm gonna step out here a little bit and express some of my heart's wonderings.  Haiti is a tough place- no doubt.  One person had expressed to me before my first trip a year ago that Haiti was the toughest place he encountered in all his travels.  This is a man who's opinion I trust because he works for a Christian organization that ministers in 26 countries all over the world working with the poorest of the poor.  In another publication (which I need to find) Haiti was listed as the 4th most dangerous country in the world behind Iraq, Iran and Somalia.  But as I have now traveled to Haiti 5 times in the last year, I am trying to reconcile those opinions.  I personally have found Haiti to be tough because of lack of infrastructure and government- but the people, the people are warm and friendly, once you break through the tough exterior of a hard life for all Haitians.  Minus my sunglasses, once I smile, a beautiful smile is returned (in most cases).

After the earthquake in January some high profile Christian leaders expressed that the earthquake in Haiti is part of God's judgement on a country that sold its soul to the devil- ouch (we even heard that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans).  I struggle with flat out declaring a disaster of the magnitude that Haiti suffered as a direct judgement from God.  I think there are too many factors for the plight in which Haiti finds itself in, and yes, it is true in Haiti's history that back in 1804 the leaders of the country officially committed the country to Satan in exchange for his perceived help in liberating them from the French.  But as we point the finger and say this is what's wrong with your country, what about us?  What about the plight of this country?  We have our own issues that stem from turning our backs on God.  Did we sell our soul to Satan, or has the turning away from God been so subtle that after years of not really seeing it, we only now begin to wake from our slumber of quietly denying God because we see the very freedoms that our country was founded on slowly slipping away and endangering liberties that we credit to God?

I am reading a book about a guy who traveled to Haiti and spent a week there.  Upon his return he wrote about his experience and the things God showed him while he was there.  He was addressing the spiritual state of Haiti.  And as I read his thoughts, I could see and resonate with some of his observations.  He finds himself at the top of a mountain looking down on the city of Port-au-Prince.  "Indeed, Haiti was once considered 'the jewel of the Caribbean', with beautiful beaches and mountains.  It was rich in commerce, but that came at a price, as the French colonial rulers treated the slaves 'imported' from Africa with particular harshness and cruelty.  So, one can understand why the newly liberated Haitians rejected all things embraced by the French- including their Christian faith."
"It is not surprising then that so many here live in horrific circumstances.  Block shacks, seemingly piled one on top of the other, dot the hillsides everywhere.  From the mountaintop view, one can see how tightly packed people are between the two mountain ranges.  Paved streets are a rarity.  The infrastructure is crumbling- literally.  Homes, streets and even hillsides defiled by deforestation look like ancient ruins.  If a nation's largest capital city is in a virtual state of anarchy, not much hope can be offered for those living there, let alone in the distant mountains.  Unless, of course, they hear about- and accept- Jesus Christ."

He goes on to say that fortunately for the people there is a concerted effort by Christians both native and foreign dedicated to reclaim the land for Christ.  Protestant Haitian pastors have formed alliances and are even fielding candidates for president.  "But everyone with whom I spoke acknowledged the solution is not political.  While they believe it would surely be better to have an authentically-committed Christian as president, they know that the problems here run deep as the heart of each individual."  There is a sense of urgency in the country and pastors, despite daily threats on their lives continue to minister to the people in the communities.  "Indeed, they are an inspiring example.  Just as Jesus came into a world hostile to his message, His disciples here today are doing the same thing.  They understand, as Paul wrote, 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 6:12)."

"So, while the nation is in desperate need of reform and basic necessities, Haiti's Christian leaders do not lack faith, hope and courage.  So, as you consider the plight of this nation, respond as Paul counseled. '...pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests,  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints' (Ephesians 6:18)."  Excerpts from "Seven Days in Haiti- Learning from the Meek to be a Bond-Slave of Christ" by Michael Barrick.

This is timely because Haiti is facing a presidential election in 4 short weeks on November 28.  Please pray that this election along with God's hand be in the hearts of the Haitian people and that they truly look to God for their future.

I see Jesus in the eyes of His orphans in Haiti.

Awesome team

I am missing all my new friends from our team.  We had a fantastic team diverse in age and geography.  We sent a third team from Faith, my home church, in which there were 10 of us including for the first time my wife.  Two other members were returning to Haiti from our March trip and 6 others taking the plunge for the first time.  Marci, Hayden, Lynn, Melissa, Roberta, Matt, Bart, Rachel, and Penny- you were a great team that represented our church and the Lord well!  From Indianapolis we had a church team that is exploring ways to partner with the Global Orphan Project for the long term.  One of the founding members of the church and two dear friends represented Higher Calling Church- Mindy, Lori and Christina- I am excited to see where the Lord leads your church body with the Global Orphan Project- press on and NEVER SETTLE!  Ben and Brittany from Baton Rouge- you guys were awesome and I loved our time with you.  You have set the bar for challenging married couples to spend their milestone anniversaries in Haiti.  I can't think of a more fulfilling way to share an experience with a spouse.  And finally a family and friends- Heather, Ashley and John- thanks for including your very close friends Nancy and Jenn.  I was blessed to see how the Lord has been working in your lives and what He has enabled you to do through His blessing- thanks for sharing your lives with us.

This team was a blessing for me in so many ways and I love being able to share what God is doing through a ministry organization like the Global Orphan Project.  Thanks for stepping in, giving your all and experiencing the full scope of ministry in Haiti.  I do truly count you all as friends and hope to one day reconnect with you all!

Catch up

Back home from our trip to Haiti, I am reflecting back on the latest adventure of taking a team on a vision trip for the Global Orphan Project.  Unfortunately, most of our time there we were without power and the internet.  Not that its a bad thing, its just that I planned to blog as a way for people to keep up with all that we were doing in Haiti.  So now I plan to reflect back and recount our experience of the five days we spent learning, listening and loving on kids.  The following blog entries will reflect the trip, our experience and what God was revealing to us, and still revealing to me as I process the latest excursion into Haiti.  I do know that it has had a profound impact on all the team members as I follow their Facebook status updates and read emails.  I thank God for allowing each of us to step outside our world, experience life from another perspective, be rocked by what we see in the desperation and devestations, find ourselves brokenhearted and much richer for the experience.  Each time I go I fall more in love with the country and the people- it has become a home away from home for me- and I don't think I can explain why other than to say when I go, I am completely at the Lord's mercy and disposal.  So naturally, I ask why can't or don't I do that at home in my neighborhood, my city, or my country?  What makes leaving my home easier to fully rely on God?  It's a dicotomy I don't understand or am blinded to.  So my prayer is that I would fully rely on God right here, right now.

Diving in

With a beautiful sunrise this morning, the team is ready to jump in for their second full day with the kids.  I love watching the response of the Americans as they fall in love with the beautiful Haitian kids and people.  These orphans hunger for touch in ways that we don't see at home.  We love our children dearly and we discover a new appreciation for our own children when we spend time with the "least of these" and these kids who don't have their own mothers and fathers.  For just the short time that we are here- we become the mothers and fathers, big brothers and sisters to the kids that the Global Orphan Project provide long term care for.

Five trips later and I have the exact same feelings as I did the first time.  When kids call out your name and run to you to be held, its a feeling that defies description- your heart breaks, melts, jumps, hurts, rejoices and discovers a deep, deep love.

Our discussions at the close of each day have been wonderful.  I challenged the team to be fully present and in each moment while they are here.  Leave nothing in the tank as I like to say- and they have responded like troopers!  Everyone is healthy and doing well.  Thanks for your prayers.

We're here!

As with all things in Haiti, we must be flexible- and patient- "Haitience".  We all made it here safely yesterday and although most were tired from their journeys from around the U.S., everyone is thrilled to be here.  We have gone most of the time without power which is why I am posting so late.  And it may be this way for our entire trip.  Keep checking in, but please know that we may not have internet most of the time.  And if there is no internet, there is no power (no fans, no lights, etc.) which makes our experience here truly Haitian!  I hope to be able to post some pictures as we go along but for now, I felt it important to let everyone know we are here safe and sound.
We've only scratched the surface as it relates to playing with and loving on the kids, but we had a wonderful time with Pastor Moise this morning as he shared his heart and his passion for the Lord and for orphan care.  Keep praying for us and I'll post again as soon as possible.

And we're off!

Our whole team begins the journey to Haiti today.  Our team consists of 10 of us from Fort Collins, 3 from Indianapolis, 2 from Baton Rouge, 3 from Colorado Springs, and 2 from San Francisco!  We're all over the map and from all four timezones!  I am excited to serve with this team and help them have the best experience possible.  Please pray for travel safety and health.  Lord willing we will have internet connection at our home base at the Orphan Transition Village.  Stay tuned...

Another Adventure!

In just 48 hours I will be leaving with another team to visit kids at the Global Orphan Project in Haiti.  God has blessed me greatly by allowing me to go to Haiti for my fifth trip in a year.  This one is special personally because my bride of 21 years will be joining me on this one.  I am excited for her because she has been hearing all my stories over this past year and now she will have her own stories to share!

Things I am praying for:

Health and safety for all 20 of us

That God moves in the hearts of the team members and gives a clear vision for each person

That God continues to confirm our church's vision for making a difference in Haiti through our partnership with Global Orphan Project

For Pastor Moise and his leadership with the Global Orphan Project

For all the kids in the Global Orphan Project's care

That God be glorified in all we do

Team Video

I created a video slideshow with some of the highlights of our trip in August. Enjoy!

Haiti August 2010

Day 6- 8/17/10

8/17/10


Reflecting back on yesterday- our final day in Haiti. Seeing Pastor Moise again was a blessing and an encouragement. I was glad that the other team members had the opportunity to hear his heart.

Then on to the Orphan Transition Village (OTV)- that was a highlight because getting to see the kids I’ve gotten to know over this past year. Ellison- “Chris!” It was so cool to be recognized once again! That made my heart jump when the kids remembered who I was. That feeling just warms your heart. To be able to hug and sit and let your hair be touched, messed with and played with was fun.

I saw the kids I’ve really gotten to know over my three visits- Rogelin, Renise, Pierre, Jocelyn, Erickson and Alina- I continue to pray for these kids as they have built a home in my heart!

The highlight of the day was being asked to “preach” a few minutes to the kids with Rogelin translating for me. I couldn’t think of anything more appropriate than John 3:16- the gospel in a nutshell.

I am blessed! To be given such an opportunity feeds my soul!

I am proud of my team- they are- as Trace says it- “All-Stars.” A young man doing wonderful things with Global Orphan is a man named Joseph Volcy- he is leading the ministry in the area of kid’s programming. He is a kid at heart and has a wonderful ability to connect with the kids and getting them excited about the activities they participate in. I am praying for this young man that God continues to bless him and shows him His wonderful plan for impacting the orphan children of Haiti!

Day 4- 8/15/10

8/15/10

Had a wonderful morning of worship at the church in Mapu with Pastor Woodman. There was a ton of special music by various choirs- probably especially for us. My experience in Haiti has been that they go all out for their guest and make the worship extra special. There were choirs from surrounding churches coming to join us for worship. My buddy and teammate John gave the message to the congregation. It was a 3 hour experience that didn’t feel that long at all.

Before heading out of town we stopped to play with the kids at Beinac one more time. Again, it was fun to engage the kids in songs and games. It was tough for the team to leave because they had grown attached to these kids in a short time.

Our last night in Haiti we stayed in a place called Kalico Beach Resort. Part of the reason for doing this was to show the team some of the jewels and potential that Haiti has in some of its beauty. But as we arrived at the resort it was a shock to the team. Given all that they’ve seen and experienced with the orphan children- somehow it didn’t seem fair to be staying at a place like this. All of Haiti is just outside the gates of this place while we rest at a beach, swim in a pool, and find reasonable comfort all the while reflecting back on the many kids at Mapu who don’t even have a bed. I think it was a good experience- we need to wrestle with that tension and discover what each of us is to do about it.

Psalm 67:1-2, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.”

God, why are we blessed? Did we win some cosmic lottery by being born in America? Do we have a responsibility with our blessings? Yes- I think we do. God, help me to give without holding on selfishly because it’s all from You anyway! I need to trust you more.

Day 3- 8/14/10

8/14/10

We are staying at a hotel in Gonaives and it’s pretty nice and reasonably comfortable for us Americans. And the staff was amazingly gracious since they apparently did not have our reservations. They allowed us to stay after all was said and done. I began thinking- what was our back-up plan? There are not very many options for us to stay in safe and secure locations. Thanks God!

I had a pretty good night of sleeping- the room air conditioner worked really well- almost to a point of being too cold- that sounds crazy I know. Exhausting day yesterday- I’m able to find my bearings in adjusting to the heat and humidity

I’m processing the situation before us and the possibilities in Gonaives. The major hurdle I see is getting up here from Port-au-Prince- a 3 ½ hour drive- and effectively ministering here. The other thing I’m thinking about is that the health of the church= the health of the project. It’s too early to tell, but I would like to see how healthy the local church is here.

HOT- man it is hot! We visited Phaeton and the project really feels like it’s in the middle of the desert. The place is located very close to the water- I thought that it may be a bit cooler- but no. There are no real shade trees present on the property and the place seems barren. Until you hear the singing of over 125 children at this place. Then you realize the life that exists here is wonderful! We were greeted by a chorus of singing kids. Overall the health of the kids seems a little better than what we saw yesterday.

Back in June when we had our VBS we call Kidz Day Camp we had a mission project. We were encouraging kids to bring a dollar to help send blankets to Haiti and the kids would help finish these blankets that my team would personally deliver to the kids in Haiti we would visit. In addition I hid two parrots each day for the kids to find and then keep for themselves. On a Wednesday morning after the opening time a 10 year old boy came up to me with the parrot he found the day before and asked me if I could take this parrot and give it to a child in Haiti. Wow- this kid gets it! He was willing to give up something so that another less fortunate child could have it- way to go Brayden! So when we visited Phaeton I had a little girl instantly cling to me for the duration of the day- I gave her the parrot Brayden gave to me for this little girl.

We squeezed in a visit to our third project- Bienac. This project is located in the city and is a tough location because it is land locked and there is an incredible amount of dust from the passing traffic. This dust is presenting the children with respiratory issues. The dust is a result of the two hurricanes that swept over Gonaives two years ago. Overall the kids were great and they took care of their project really well.

At the end of a long, jam-packed day we had dinner with an American missionary and her kids and the pastor of her church. What a blessing the evening was. The pastor is Filipino and has an incredible story about his ministry there in Gonaives including running a school for the deaf. He has been there 15 years! He has seen a lot and experienced a lot in a city where it is said that every rebellion has had its roots in Gonaives and recently the city has been run by gangs. I pray for this man and his ministry.

Day 2- 8/13/10

8/13/10

This team is fantastic! Here is a team that has been wanting to go to Haiti since February! This team consists of those who had applied for our first trip but were not selected- when I contacted them about this upcoming trip, they were excited to finally get their turn. The team was assembled for a trip in July but the trip was postponed until August. Then when their turn came, our flight was delayed at the terminal and they had to wait ONE MORE DAY! Ah, the frustration. Finally, here we are in Haiti traveling to our first project. The team jumps into getting to know other team members from around the country during our 3 hour bus ride from Port-au-Prince to Gonaives. As a leader I feel the pride of a proud papa as I observe this group of servants jump in with both feet. The moment arrives as we pull through the front gate of the Mapu project and our team dives into action with the kids as they are warmly greeted by 80 Haitian little brothers and sisters! Playing, loving, singing songs- being the hands and feet of Christ- suddenly the frustration and disappointment is gone in an instant with a smiling face of a Haitian child!

Mapu is in great need by my observation. Not enough living quarters for the kids. A large number of kids are sleeping in the church on mats. And yet the pastor felt his greatest need was for a place for the children to eat (which they do need) but is it the greatest need? Our trip leader said that sometimes pastors tell us what they think we want to hear. Why? Is it because they are afraid if the need is too great the American church will shy away from helping? So maybe the pastor starts with a need that won’t scare of the American church. Clearly the need is greater for kids to have proper place to sleep. Some of the kids look like they are struggling with their health- some even suffering from borderline malnutrition. I’m praying for Faith’s role as we visit these projects. Tomorrow we will visit Phaeton, a large project in Gonaives.

Our team time has been very fruitful with members sharing their hearts tonight. And our first bead ceremony went well. I love it when a team is fully engaged and ALL IN!

August Faith Haiti Trip 8/12/10

8/12/10


Another trip to Haiti with a team from Faith to love on orphans and hopefully further confirm the Lord’s plans for our church visiting often and loving the fatherless. Looking back over the past year, God has put me on quite a ride- who would have thought that in the course of a year I will have made 5 trips to Haiti?

The first day of trying to get to Haiti has been a disappointment because of mechanical issues on the plan flying from Denver to Miami. We had a very small connection window and almost any small issue could certainly put chances of connecting to the last flight to Haiti slim and none. As it turned out there was a hydraulic leak with the landing gear- I’d gladly rather arrive safe than the alternative! But the cost was the loss of half a day in Haiti on an already seemingly short trip. While there is some disappointment, the team is resilient- I expect great things from this team!

James 1:27- Why does James say that religion that is pure and faultless is this- to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being defiled by the world? More to come…